NBA committee denies Kings' move to Seattle

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The NBA's relocation committee unanimously
rejected the looming sale and relocation of the Sacramento Kings on Monday.

The vote likely ensures that the Kings will remain in Sacramento, putting the
brakes on the team's long-rumored move to Seattle. The recommendation of the
relocation committee, which consists of 12 current owners, is expected to
weigh heavily on the decision of the NBA Board of Governors, who ultimately
have final say on the matter.

The Board of Governors is scheduled to meet during the week of May 13 to
discuss the situation.

Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson had assembled a group of investors and
submitted a proposal to keep the team in town back in March, which ultimately
led the City Council to approve the construction of a new arena in downtown
Sacramento.

The Maloof family, current owners of the Kings, had agreed in January to sell
a 65 percent share of the team to a group led by hedge fund manager Chris
Hansen and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who were looking to move the Kings to
Seattle.